A lot happened in Washington, D.C. on Thursday night! In the House, representatives passed President Obama's huge tax package, while in the Senate, Republicans embarrassed Democrats, again. Let's take a look at the fortunate and the unfortunate:

Fortunately, the Senate will vote on a standalone bill that would repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell, and on the DREAM Act, on Saturday.
Unfortunately, Democrats are only scheduling those votes because Senate Republicans torpedoed, at the last minute, after months of work, and difficult compromises, the bill that was supposed to fund the government.

Fortunately, unemployment benefits will be extended 16 months, as part of President Obama's tax-cut compromise.
Unfortunately, it's only because rich people are getting huge tax cuts, as part of President Obama's tax-cut total betrayal of trust.

Fortunately, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden will be in attendance for the DADT and DREAM votes this weekend.
Unfortunately, the reason his presence was in doubt was due to a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Fortunately, more than 60 Senators have pledged to vote for repeal of DADT.
Unfortunately, it's the Senate! They will screw this up, somehow, because otherwise there is no real reason for us to have a Senate.

Fortunately, President Obama is in a strong position to win re-election in 2012.
Unfortunately, he will have to be the actual president of this country, and not the fake president who always does what you want him to, of a country where everyone agrees with you.

Fortunately, we're just a few weeks away from the start a brand new year!
Unfortunately, it will probably be even worse than this one.

Fortunately, eventually, you will die.
Unfortunately, you have to live for a while first.

[Image via AP]